Thousands of residents of several communities in the northern part of Edo State, Niger Delta Region of Nigeria, have become trapped as flood has taken over their homes and farmlands.

According to the lawmaker representing Estako Central Constituency at Edo State House of Assembly, Mr Damian Lawani, it is particularly worrisome that governments at both levels have failed to come to aid of the hapless communities, who are not foreigners but Nigerians.

He wondered why no measures have been put in to alleviate the sufferings of the people since flooding has been become yearly occurrence in the area.

According to him: “These voiceless communities need government attention as government functionaries are yet to visit them for an on-the-spot-assessment. The government needs to find a permanent solution to this problem.”

It would be recalled that a similar incident happened in July 2012 when the communities were submerged.

Communities affected by the flooding are: Udaba Ekperi, Osomegbe, Ifeku, Agbabu, Ofukpo and some parts of Anegbette.

Lawani therefore called for the assistance of public-spirited individuals, NGOs, other organizations and governments at all levels to come together in order to help alleviate the plight of the voiceless people.

“These voiceless people need the help of everybody urgently as they need to be relocated. Let’s draw the attention of governments at levels to their plight to alleviate their suffering just as it would have been done if it were in in Florida, Las Vegas or somewhere in the developed world,” Lawani pleaded.

For those that have relief materials to donate, they may reach Habitat Care Foundation, a Non Governmental Organization, headed by Mr Francis Awoefe, or Lawani (both of whom have taken up the task of catering for these people) in their offices either in Fugar, Headquarters of Estako Central Local Government Area, Edo State, or Victoria Island, Lagos, through their telephone lines: +234 807 347 2058, +234 803 335 7418.